Say goodbye to the iconic Maserati V8 growl

The famous howl of a screeching Maserati V8 may be a thing of the past as the brand focuses on its electric future.

Italian luxury brand Maserati has announced that all of its future models will feature hybrid and electric powertrains, and has also added another SUV.

The company announced that the Ghibli luxury midsize sedan will be the first model in its lineup to use hybrid technology, with a petrol-electric model coming later this year. The model has been rumored to debut in April at the Beijing Auto Show, though the brand's announcement says its new "Music Changes" slogan will start from May 2020.

In addition, Maserati has confirmed that the new generation GranTurismo coupe and the new generation GranCabrio cabriolet will be launched in 2021 and will be “the brand’s first vehicles to use 100 percent electric solutions.”

The company has invested €800 million (AU$1,290,169,877) in the upgraded Mirafiori plant, which has been producing the GranTurismo and GranCabrio since 2007.

The company is spending another 800 million euros on its plant in Cassino, where it will build its second SUV. The new model, which is "destined to play a leading role for the brand" by competing with the likes of the Porsche Macan, will see first examples in 2021.

However, the brand's much-touted and long-awaited new supercar will not be produced there - it will be produced in Modena, which remains the company's headquarters. The car is due in 2020 and is said to be "full of technology and evoke the brand's traditional values", but the company has confirmed that the Modena plant is being retooled "in part to produce an electric version of the supercar". 

It's unclear what the transition to electrification means for the rest of Maserati's models, but it's likely that future versions of sports car models will ditch the V8 petrol engine whose sound has been a hallmark of the Trident. brand identity for decades.

Maserati Australia said it is too early to tell at this time what the announcement means for local lineup changes.

“There will be a lot of exciting new products and they will start in May – we are raising our hands for all new products, and when they will appear remains to be seen,” a local spokesman said. Cars Guide.